Advance online registration is $12. Registration at the event is $15. Visit: showclix.com/event/steptrek to purchase tickets.

Entering online the South Pittsburgh Reporter discount code of SPR by Oct. 4 will result in a $2 discount.

Only online preregistration guarantees a tee-shirt. Tee-shirts will also be given to same-day registrants on a first come, first serve basis.

Children under 12 accompanied by an adult are free, but must be registered.

UPMC Mercy is the presenting sponsor.

Before or after their trek, participants may enjoy an active market place in the registration area, including artists, entertainment, food trucks, and fashion trucks.

There will be a Chinese raffle, with prizes like a print by artist Johno Prascak; gift certificates to bars and restaurants; tickets for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra family Halloween show; and more.

Trekkers are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items for distribution by the Brashear Association.

New this year is a partnership with ESRI, a geographic information systems (GIS) mapping company, to make the GIS route maps accessible via mobile device during StepTrek.

The electronic maps will include links to photographs and highlight historical locations. There will also be a map released after the event showing the Instagram pictures that Trekkers took along the route using #StepTrek.

Also new this year is the addition of orienteering courses.

The Western Pennsylvania Orienteering Club (WPOC) has created two courses in the Slopes for a meet during StepTrek.

Orienteering requires navigational skills using a topographical map and compass to navigate from point to point in diverse and usually unfamiliar terrain.

“In our 13th year we’ve tried to embrace technology to enhance the experience of the StepTrek attendees.

“We’ve also been able to add an element of adventure with the help of the WPOC,” Mr. Oswald said.

StepTrek is the largest fundraiser of the SSSNA, a volunteer organization whose mission is to maintain, foster, and improve the quality of life, safety, and unity of the Slopes neighborhood.